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VICTORY CHARTER ELEMENTARY POLICIES/AGENDA
Victory Charter High School 1081 E. Lewis Lane Fax: (208) 442-9401
E-mail: office@victorycharterschool.com
INTRODUCTION
VICTORY CHARTER SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT Victory Charter School’s mission is to develop students who are competent, confident, productive and responsible young adults who possess the habits, skills and attitudes to succeed in life and who are well prepared for post secondary education.
VICTORY CHARTER SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Victory Charter School is grounded in the belief that when there is low threat and content is highly challenging, accelerated learning takes place. PRINICPAL’S MESSAGEDear Parents and Students: Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year. I am excited for the many opportunities your student will have this year. We have made several changes that I trust will encourage your student to excel in his/her learning experience. Please take time to sit down with your student and familiarize yourselves with our new policies; drawing attention to our Attendance Policy, and Student Appearance Policy.
The staff and I are dedicated to making this year one where students are growing and maturing both academically and socially. We will provide a safe and effective learning atmosphere for each student.
If you ever have a concern, comments or question, please do not hesitate to contact our school office. Looking forward to a great year, Dr. Marianne Saunders, Administrator
ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNING BOARD Dr. Marianne Saunders………………….……………………..Administrator Leslie Mauldin………………………..….……..Chairman, Governing Board Joe Huff…………………...……….……………..….……..Governing Board Darren McKenzie…..………………………….……….…..Governing Board Ebe Amaechi….…………………..…………….…….…... Governing Board Susan Larson…………………………….…………….…...Governing Board Kris Jensen…………………..…………………………....Clerk of the Board
FACULTY Kindergarten: Mrs. Joan Barnes 1st Grade: Mrs. Elaine Olguin 2nd Grade: Mrs. Sandy Colbert 3rd Grade: Ms. Roma Blinn 4th Grade: Mrs. Kristel Cedergreen 5th Grade: Mrs. Karla Turner 6th Grade: Mrs. Tera Luce 7th Grade: Mr. Mark Wachsmuth and Mrs. Jill Linford 8th Grade: Mr. Seth Stallcop and Mrs. Moni Gangwer Computer: Mrs. Venessa Beebe Spanish: Mrs. Vicki Thomas Science: Mrs. Cathy Hensel P.E.: Mrs. Leela Schafer Music: Mrs. Tracy Edenfield Special Ed.: Mrs. Ellen Gussie Lunch Room Coordinator: Mrs. Cecily Monson Office: Mrs. Teresa Hauge and Mrs. Anne Martin
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY POLICY FOR GRADES k-8
At Victory Charter School regular attendance and punctuality are a vital part of a student’s education. Teachers implement a high level of direct teaching and interactive learning and both students and teachers are held accountable to complete a set of standards and benchmarks. These teaching techniques do not allow students to simply make-up concepts missed. In accordance with our charter, Victory Charter School has a 96% attendance standard. Every effort should be made by students, parents and administration to ensure that students are in attendance and punctual every day. A year-round school calendar is provided well in advance to allow families to schedule activities during breaks. Students are expected to attend classes regularly.
TARDY POLICY All students arriving more than 5 minutes late must be signed in at the office to ensure accurate records and lunch counts. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late need an adult to sign them in at the office. Students arriving more than 5 minutes late will be counted as Tardy. Students leaving and returning during the school day must be signed in and out by an adult.
Each time a student is tardy three (3) times in 1 semester, the student will also be treated as having 1 unexcused absence.
Excused absences – The Administration and Governing Board recognize that there are special circumstances when a student may need to participate in another event or activity rather than attend class. An absence will be considered “excused” if the student could not attend class because he/she is ill, or is attending a funeral or wedding of an immediate family member, and the student’s parent/guardian provides reasonable evidence that this was the cause of the absence. However, the cumulative affect of regular class attendance is critical to the learning experience that Victory Charter offers, which the student misses even when the absence is excused.
Unexcused absences –absences due to non-school related activities, club or family events, trips or vacations, and any absences not reported to the school by a parent/guardian within two school days of the student’s return to school
Number of Absences per semester Sanction
A student may be subject to sanctions in more than one class if the student has the requisite number of class absences for each class that the sanction is being applied to.
Effect of School Day Absences – If the student has the indicated number of general school day absences in a semester, then in addition to any sanction for class absences, the student is subject to the following sanctions:
Number of Absences per semester Sanction
EXPULSION A student will be expelled only after the Governing Board has given written notice to the parent/guardian of the student, stating the grounds for the proposed expulsion, and specifying a time and place where the parent/guardian of the student may appear to contest the proposed action of the Board. This notice shall also state that the student has the right to be represented by counsel, to produce witnesses, and to submit evidence on his/her behalf, and to cross examine any adult witnesses who may appear against him/her. The Governing Board for Victory Charter School has reviewed and adopted policies described above and determined that the indicated sanctions, including the expulsion of the student, would be appropriate unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
TRUANCYTruancy is defined as a student being absent for all or any part of the school day, without the approval of the parent, guardian or school authorities. This includes students who are on the campus, but not in their assigned classroom. Truancies accrue for the entire year. Any student truant for two consecutive days will be reported to the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office and driving privileges will be revoked.
ABSENCE VERIFICATION When a student has not arrived by 9:00 a.m., and no contact from a parent has been received, a school representative will attempt to contact parent/guardian. To have an absence excused, a parent/guardian must call or send a signed note stating the reason for the absence, upon the student’s return to school. A doctor’s note is recommended for extended absences due to medical reasons. Three (3) or more consecutive absences will require a note from a physician. If appropriate notification has not been received within 2 days of student’s return to school, the absence may be considered an unexcused absence. Parents whose work schedule prevents them from contacting the school during the normal school hours are strongly urged to send a note or leave a message after hours.
DISCIPLINE
DISCIPLINE POLICY Students are expected to be respectful and kind to fellow students, staff and visitors at all times, exhibit good work skills, and use appropriate language. Students are expected to follow school rules and policies throughout the school day, at all times on the Victory Charter School campus and while involved in any event associated with the school. School rules and policies apply to transportation to and from events as well. When students commit an infraction, the faculty member(s) involved will complete an Incident Report. Incident reports will be kept with administration. The administrator will determine appropriate consequences for each incident. Students with 3 or more Incident Reports may be required to appear before a Board of Review made up of staff members to develop a behavior plan. Non-compliance with the behavior plan may result in an appearance before a Board of Review made up of parents, staff and community members. The purpose of this board is to assist the student in developing a plan that will remedy the situation. Further non-compliance will result in the student appearing before the Victory Charter Governing Board for possible suspension or expulsion based on recommendation by the previous Review Boards.
STUDENT APPEARANCE In an effort to maintain a safe and orderly school environment for students, the following dress guidelines have been established. It is the opinion of the administration and the governing board that student attire has a direct effect upon the educational environment and upon the individual student’s ability to function at an optimum level.
Appropriate clothing for class or any school activity must be reasonable, safe, clean, and non-revealing. An individual’s dress and personal appearance should reflect a sensitivity and respect for others as well as be appropriate in a professional work environment. The following guidelines are to be followed by students of Victory Charter School.
Students wearing attire deemed inappropriate by VCHS staff or Administrator will be provided alternative clothing to cover up. This clothing must be laundered and returned to the school the following day.
Required dress for student participation in activities that are in any way representative of the individual school or community shall be outlined by the respective sponsor and administration. WEAPONS POLICYAbsolutely no weapons of any sort or any thing that resembles a weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 930 are allowed on Victory Charter School property or at school sponsored activities at any time under any circumstances. Any student who brings a weapon to school property and/or school sponsored activities is in violation of the Gun-Free Schools Act and Idaho Code 18-3302D, and shall be expelled for a period of no less than 1 year (12 months). A recommendation will be made to the Governing Board for extended suspension or expulsion.
WEAPONS POLICY EXPLAINEDI. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe school environment for students, staff and the public. II. Statement No student shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon when in a school location. III. Definitions A. Weapon 1. Any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; air guns, pellet guns; BB guns, all knives, blades, clubs, metal knuckles, numb chucks, throwing stars, explosives, fireworks, mace and other propellants, cigarette lighters, stun guns, ammunition, poisons, chains, bows, arrows, laser pointers, and objects that have been modified to serve as weapons. 2. No student shall possess, use or distribute any object, device or instrument having the appearance of a weapon and such objects, devices or instruments shall be treated as weapons, including, but not limited to, weapons listed above which are broken or non-functional, look alike, toy guns, and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon. 3. No student shall use articles designed for other purposes (i.e.: belts, combs, pens, pencils, files, scissors, tacks, etc.) to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate and such use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon. B. School Location School location includes a school building, school grounds, school activities or trips, bus stops, school buses or school vehicles, school-contracted vehicles, the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events, and all school-related functions. C. Possession Possession means having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school location. A student who finds a weapon on the way to school or in the school building, or a student who discovers that he/she accidentally has a weapon in his/her possession, and takes the weapon immediately to the principal’s office shall not be considered to possess a weapon. IV. Consequences A. The school district takes a position of addressing each case individually in regard to the possession, use or distribution of weapons by students. The minimum consequence for student’s possession, use or distribution of weapons may include (upon discretion of Administrator): · Confiscation of the weapon · Notification of Police · Notification of parents/guardians · Suspension · Hearing with the Governing Board V. Application to Instructional Equipment/Tools While the school district and the school wish to address each case individually, it takes a firm position on the possession, use or distribution of weapons by students. Such a position is not meant to interfere with instruction or the use of appropriate equipment and tools by students. Such equipment and tools, when properly possessed, used and stored, shall not be considered in violation. However, when authorized instructional and work equipment and tools are used in a potentially dangerous or threatening manner, such possession and use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon. VI. Administrative Discretion The superintendent may use discretion in determining whether, under the circumstances, a course of action other than the minimum consequences specified above is warranted. If so, other appropriate action may be taken, including consideration of a recommendation for lesser discipline.
FIGHTING (BATTERY) Victory Charter High School’s philosophy “is grounded in the belief that when there is low threat and content is highly challenging, accelerated learning takes place”. Fighting is diametrically opposed to “low threat”. A fight is described as follows: Pushing, shoving, kicking, pulling or physically connecting in an aggressive manner with another student. Parents will be notified of any fight (battery). The consequences for a fight are as follows.
1st Fight (Battery):
2nd Fight (Battery):
3rd Fight (Battery):
LANGUAGEStudents will refrain from swearing or using foul language at all times. Students will speak kindly and respectfully to staff and fellow students. Students speaking inappropriately, disrespectfully or unkindly will be assigned detention and an incident report will be completed. Repeated incidences may require an appearance before the Board of Review as stated in the Discipline Policy.
DRUG POLICY Victory Charter School adheres to the policies as described in the Safe & Drug Free Schools Act as described by the Idaho State Dept. of Education and enforces a “no” tolerance drug policy. All incidences or suspected incidences of possession or distribution of controlled substances, over-the-counter, or prescription medication will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Disciplinary consequences at school will be developed on a case-by-case basis. Any student requiring over-the-counter or prescription medication must leave it with the VCHS secretary in the office as described on page 15 under Administering Medication. If there is probable cause that a student is in possession of drugs, all property is subject to be searched including lockers.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY/PLAGARISM, CHEATING Victory Charter School considers cheating or academic dishonesty to be a serious violation of school rules and has adopted procedures to deal with students as follows:
First Offense – Student is given a zero on the compromised work. Parents will be notified. Second Offense – Student will receive a zero and will be referred to administration for further disciplinary action with the possibility of expulsion.
HOMEWORK POLICY The education of today’s youth must be considered a team effort involving parents, students and teachers. Research shows that the most successful students, regardless of family income or ethnic background are those who have regularly structured homework time. Homework allows additional practice and reflection, reinforces skills, and provides practical application and time for additional research. Homework helps establish a basis for independent and life long learning while the discipline of nightly homework creates a habit that will be beneficial throughout life.
(Teachers will establish specific policies for their classes) It is not our intention that parents teach their students; however, parental support and encouragement is essential for many students to be successful. The following have proven beneficial to both parents and students:
DISRUPTION AND LOITERING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS Students are expected to follow school rules and policies at all times when on school property. Students are allowed ½ hour before and 1 hour after school or at designated times for school events and functions with prior permission by the staff. A Victory faculty member or an approved adult must be present whenever students are in the school.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION Students are not permitted to carry prescription or non-prescription medications at any time. If a student must take medication during the school day, these guidelines will be followed: 1. All medications will be left with the secretary. 2. The parent/guardian must submit a written request to the school if the medication is to be given during school hours. Specific directions for administering the medication and the parent/guardian’s signature must be received before any medication is given to the student. In the case of prescription medications, the physician’s signature is also required. 3. The medication must be in the original container and the student’s name and directions for administering the medication must be written on the container. 4. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the secretary at the appropriate time to take his/her medication, unless the student has a disability and is unable to do so. 5. Non-prescription medication, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Cough drops and Anti-itch cream, can be provided to students with parental permission. A parent note can be on file to allow the medication to be provided as needed to the student or by parent signature on the enrollment form. COMPUTER, INTERNET, & E-MAIL USE Computer usage is allowed for school related, educational or assignment based use only. Students may not use computers to play computer games, visit chat rooms, instant message or visit myspace.com at any time. E-mail access is allowed with specific instructor permission only. E-mail access for non-school related reasons is not allowed at any time. Student and parent/guardian will review and sign computer/internet guidelines at the time of registration. Computer usage is frequently monitored. Computer use at Victory Charter is a privilege and not a right. Abuse of the computer will result in restriction of use.
HEADPHONES / MP3 PLAYERSStudents are not allowed to wear headphones or listen to MP3 players at any time. Headphones or MP3 players seen at school will be taken until after school. Students who consistently abuse this policy will have their headphones/MP3 player taken away and the confiscated item will only be returned to the parents or guardian.
CELL PHONES Students are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours. Cell phones that are out during school hours will be taken. 1. First infraction – phone taken for the day. 2. Second infraction – phone taken for the entire week. 3. Third infraction – meeting with parents and cell phone possession is restricted on school property.
ATHLETICSStudent athletes must maintain a minimum grade of a “C” in every class, and meet all requirements on the Sports Eligibility Form to be eligible to participate in any sport/athletic events. Students will be required to have a Sports Eligibility Form signed by all teachers each week while participating in sports. Athletes with discipline write-ups will not be allowed to play for a period determined by the Athletic Director, subject to review by the Administrator. All students and parents will be required to show appropriate sportsmanship at all athletic events. Inappropriate behavior will result in being escorted from the event. If the behavior continues, the student or parent will be banned from all athletic events for one year. Students will receive information on available programs throughout the year. Current sports offered at Victory Charter School: cross-country running, swim team, ski/snow team, track/field, and golf. Some of these sports are limited to High School only. More sports will be added as the interest arises and funding permits. ATHLETIC LETTERSAthletic letters are awarded to those students who participate in Victory Charter High School sports and gain Varsity status. Athletes are required to attend a minimum of 80% of practices and games. Letters are awarded at the end of each sport’s season or at the end of the year at Athletics’ Banquet. Students have the option of purchasing a letterman jacket or sweater.
SNOW/SKI TEAM 1. Students in grades 6 – 12 are eligible for the Ski Team.
NAMPA UNIFIED HIGH SCHOOL SWIM TEAM
SPORTS DUAL ENROLLMENT (with the Nampa School District)
Please refer to Victory’s website for updates and Nampa School District’s participation fees.
SCHOOL SPONSORED TRIPS All school-sponsored out-of-town trips taken for the purpose of participation in any athletic event or educational endeavor shall be chaperoned by a member of the teaching or administrative staff. A student, who is not an active participant in the event, but has a reasonable purpose for attending may accompany the group with advance approval by the administrator. Organizations that plan to attend out-of-town events when it is necessary to leave during the school hours must receive written administrative approval. Any educational trips, which are not sponsored by the school, must have prior written approval from the Administrator for the absence to be excused. Students participating in school activities where buses are used for transportation may not go or return by private means without administrator approval. All baggage and personal effects may be opened and searched by school personnel before or during the trip.
GYMNASIUM Use of the gymnasium and equipment outside of regular school hours must be supervised by an adult and approved by the administrator. Use of the gymnasium during lunchtime is prohibited.
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT All school equipment is off limits during non-class hours unless instructor gives prior written permission.
CAMPUS VISITS Victory Charter School visitors are required to check in at the front office concerning their business. Students who wish to bring visitors and guest speakers to the school should proceed through appropriate teacher and get permission of the administrator or her designee at least one week prior to the visit. Parents that wish to speak with students during school hours are asked to proceed through the school secretary. Parents that need to speak with teachers are asked to set an appointment in advance. Victory Charter tours are provided periodically on Wednesdays and can be arranged through the front office. Parents of students may observe in the classroom, but are asked to respect classroom procedures and speak with student or teachers outside of class time. Prior approval for observation must be made at least one week in advance thru the Administrator.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Victory Charter High School provides a variety of wholesome lunches to students. Lunches are $1.95 for grades 7–11, and $1.70 for grades 1-6 daily. Reduced/Free lunches are available. Applications are in family enrollment packets. Lunch fees will be collected daily during morning attendance or may be paid directly to lunchroom staff. Parents are encouraged to maintain a balance on their student’s accounts. As of Spring 2008, Victory is a peanut-free school. No food containing peanuts or peanut products will be available to students and must not be sent in sack lunches with your student.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURES / SNOW DAYSIn the event of heavy snowfall or freezing rain, which makes road conditions unsafe for school buses to operate, the following procedures will be followed. The administrator will notify the radio stations and the TV stations of any school closure or late start. The stations will begin announcing closure information at approximately 6:15 a.m. On late start days, all buses can run up to 60-90 minutes late.
WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES Any student leaving Victory Charter School for any reason during the school year should do the following: 1. Provide a written request, including the date of withdrawal, from the parent/guardian to the secretary stating that the student is withdrawing from school and the reason for withdrawal. Withdrawal grades will be available within 3 school days following the exit interview. SCHOOL INSURANCE Victory Charter School is not responsible for accidents involving students while attending school, or school-sponsored extracurricular activities. Students are covered when they ride the school buses. Students are protected while traveling on chartered buses or regularly scheduled common carriers by the liability of those carriers. Victory Charter School does not assume any financial responsibility for medical or hospital expense incurred because of athletic injuries. Athletics are voluntary programs in which the student may participate if he/she so desires; but he/she does so at his/her risk of injury.
COMMUNITY SERVICE 7th and 8th grade students are required to perform 30 hours of community service, cumulatively during their combined 7th and 8th grades years. They are responsible for logging their hours and providing proof of their hours served. They must have signatures of an adult involved in the activity. (not a parent)
REPORT CARDS Students will receive a formal copy of quarter, and semester grade reports. Parents are encouraged to attend Parent/Teacher Conferences at the end of 1st and 3rd quarters to pick up Progress Reports and meet with teachers about each student’s progress and participation. Semester report cards are mailed to parents. Weekly or monthly progress notes will be sent home with students if teachers or parents feel it is necessary. Parents will be notified a minimum of 2 weeks prior to grade reports if a student is failing a class.
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Victory Charter School | 1081 Lewis Lane | Nampa, ID 83686 | Office: 208.442.9400 | Fax: 208.442.9401 © 2006 Victory Charter School |
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